To prepare your resume for job application in the United States, it is essential to know what employers are looking for. Most employers quickly scan resumes for generally just seconds and then make the decision to allow the application process to go on or not. To make your resume function well in the United States, diligently adhere to these simple steps.
Step 1: Select an Appropriate Resume Format
Begin by choosing a resume style suited for your experience and job history:
- Chronological Resume: Places your most current job at the top. This is the most accepted and used format by U.S. employers, particularly in case of having a strong job history.
- Functional Resume: Focuses on your abilities as opposed to actual work history. This choice works best for individuals who are career changers or have gaps in employment.
- Combination Resume: Shows both skills and work experience equally and clearly. If you have both relevant skills and work experience combined, it’s best
Step 2: Clearly Display Contact Information
Always provide your key contact details clearly at the top:
- Full name
- Professional email address (avoid informal or casual names)
- Phone number (include country code if you’re outside the U.S.)
- LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
Make sure your contact information is easy to read and error-free.
Step 3: Write a Professional Summary or Objective
Below are 2-3 short and succinct statements of your experience and goals. This part of your resume helps hiring managers immediately understand what you are and what skills you bring to the table.
Example:
Senior administrative assistant with experience of over 4 years providing support to high-level executives. Great proficiency in calendar management, maintaining confidential files, and office administration. Seeking an office administration job.
Step 4: Detail Your Work Experience
List your job history clearly, starting with your most recent position:
- Job title
- Company name, city, state (or state & country if in foreign country)
- Month and year of employment
- A. Brief bullet points clearly listing your main responsibilities and achievements
Example:
Office Administrator, XYZ Corporation, Boston, MA (March 2020 – Present)
- Organized calendars and appointments for the management team
- Enhanced record management systems, cutting paperwork mistakes by 30%
- Handled client inquiries efficiently, increasing customer satisfaction ratings
Step 5: Clearly Present Your Education
My educational qualifications are presented as follows:
- Degree or Diploma attained
- Institution name and address
- Graduation year (optional but frequent)
Example:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Graduated: 2018)
Step 6: Mention Your Skills Clearly and Simply
As discussed above, the following skills are some of the skills required for the job given the job description:
However,
- Effective written and verbal communication Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)
- Time management Avoid using general statements. Be specific in your skill descriptions.
Step 7: Include Additional Information if Relevant
Optional sections can strengthen your resume, provided they add relevant value:
- Languages: Mention if fluent or proficient in multiple languages.
- Certifications: Relevant industry certifications can boost credibility.
- Volunteer experience: Adds value, especially for entry-level roles.
Example of additional section:
Languages: Fluent in Spanish and English.
Step 8: Maintain Clear, Professional Formatting
Your resume must be visually appealing yet simple:
- Choose a professional font (Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri) at size 11 or 12.
- Ensure consistent spacing and standard margins (around 1-inch on all sides).
- Keep your resume length to one page whenever possible (two pages maximum for extensive experience).
Step 9: Proofread Your Resume Carefully
Carefully proofread your resume multiple times to ensure it contains no errors. If possible, ask someone else to read through your document to identify any overlooked mistakes.
Step 10: Customize Your Resume According to Each Job Posting
Instead of using the same resume for every job, adapt your document slightly to reflect the specific role’s requirements. Adjusting your summary, experience details, or skill lists to match key points from the job listing improves your chances of standing out to recruiters.
Commonly Asked Resume Questions
1. What is the format of resume in USA?
In the US, the most widely used resume style is the chronological resume. This presents your experience in reverse chronological order. Other formats accepted are the functional (skills-oriented) and combination formats.
2. How do I create a professional resume for application of job?
To compose an efficient and strong resume, explicitly present these fields: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Write each field in line with the specific requirements of the job.
3. How do I construct my resume on USAJOBS?
To construct a resume on USAJOBS, first make an account and then use their “Resume Builder” tool. Complete the guided steps to enter your experience as a professional, education, and skills. Be accurate and specific to meet government employment requirements.
4. How do I create a US government resume?
A US government resume must be descriptive and longer in length (usually 2-5 pages). Describe job tasks, responsibilities thoroughly, as well as achievements, hours worked, salary, supervisor name, and level of training or certifications. Using Resume Builder on USAJOBS is strongly advised.
5. What is the standard of resumé in America?
The standard American resume is usually one-page in length and neatly presents related skills, current work experiences, education, and successes. The resume is written in a professional style and does not contain personal history elements like age, marital status, or pictures.
6. What is the best resume builder for government positions?
The official Resume Builder for government positions on USAJOBS is the best. Using it will help make your resume compliant with all federal job requirements, thereby strengthening your application for government job positions.
Final Tips for Writing an Effective Resume
- Keep all language clear, professional, and easy to read.
- Avoid unnecessary complicated language or industry-specific jargon.
- Use action words to highlight your experiences, such as “managed,” “completed,” “achieved,” or “improved.”
By following these straightforward steps, you can produce a resume suitable for the U.S. job market, increasing your likelihood of landing interviews and securing the job you’re targeting.
